HAITI’S MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE – ANIMAL RESPONDERS ON ALERT

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
1/14/10: Haiti‘s Massive Earthquake –
Animal Responders On Alert


We know they’re out there…heartbeats in the rubble. But with the human
response to Haiti’s mass earthquake barely underway, there is little to
report about animal victims. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

IN THIS ALERT:

1. The Worst Haiti Earthquake In More Than 200 Years
2. Human Rescue And Aid Are Barely Underway…
3. As Of 1/13/10, Groups On Alert To Deploy To Haiti
   

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1. The Worst Haiti Earthquake In More Than 200 Years


Haitians walk past destroyed buildings on one side of a street in the
capital, while on the other side structures appear relatively undamaged.
SOURCE: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8455774.stm

HAITI EARTHQUAKE / DISASTER OVERVIEW NOTES

• 1/12/10: 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, killing potentially thousands.
• The Caribbean nation is appealing for international help.
• Most powerful Haiti quake in over 200 years, says US Geological Survey.
• Quake epicenter 15km southwest of capital, Port-au-Prince. [Source: USGS]
• About 4 million people reside in Port-au-Prince and nearby areas.
• Reuters footage showed scenes of chaos, with people sobbing and dazed amid rubble.
• Powerful 5.9 aftershocks rattled the city throughout the night and into Wednesday.
• Haiti lacks resources to respond, such as equipment to move debris and adequate emergency personnel.
• Witnesses said they saw homes and shanties built on hillsides tumble as the earth shook.
• Communications are down, except for satellite phone. Roads blocked by rubble.
  

HUMAN RESPONSE GROUPS:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/13/world/main6090814.shtml

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2. Human Rescue And Aid Are Barely Underway…


Several countries dispatched emergency teams to Haiti. Here, a Spanish
firefighter gives his rescue dog water before the long flight to the
Caribbean. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8455774.stm

SEARCH & RESCUE DOG TEAMS HEAD TO HAITI, PHOTOS:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389×7459087

NO ANIMAL GROUPS ON GROUND, BUT ASSESSMENTS UNDERWAY
At this time, Kinship Circle is not providing back-up volunteers for any
animal emergency response group. However, we are watching and reporting
which groups go where — so you can support animal efforts in Haiti via
donations and stay informed about the plight of animal ictims.

The earthquake hit on 1/12/10, so animal responders cannot gain clearance
until humanitarian efforts are fully underway. Fortunately, first responders
from China, Spain, France, the United States…are mobilizing teams to aid
the financially strapped Haitian government. Right now, food, sanitary
water, shelter and medical care are critical for human survivors.

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3. As Of 1/13/10, Groups On Alert To Deploy To Haiti


Haiti, the most impoverished county in the Western Hemisphere, is home to a
large stray population, starving and struggling to survive long before this
earthquake. LT: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/491982344_a898b14566.jpg
MID & RT: Dogs Of Haiti, http://www.language-works.com/Haitidogs/default.htm

INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (IFAW)
http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw_international/
Haiti Earthquake: IFAW Emergency Team on Alert — IFAW’s Emergency Relief
team is on high alert to help in Haiti after a devastating earthquake struck
near the capital of Port-au-Prince on January 12. As always with disasters
like this, the humanitarian rescue efforts will be the focus in the first
week or so… After immediate human needs are met, IFAW’s Emergency Response
team will be ready to assist the animal victims in any way that we can.

WORLD SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (WSPA)
http://animalsindisasters.typepad.com/wspa/2010/01/earthquake-in-haiti-preparing-to-respond.html
WSPA Animals In Disasters Blog — Since this morning, we have been in
talks with the United Nations (under serious stress themselves since their
office in Port-au-Prince has collapsed, with 15 staff members dead and 20
still missing) and the local Red Cross Chapters to gain a further
understanding of the impact on animals caught up in the situation.

Our Disaster Liaison Officer from Panama, Jorge Alcidez Gonzalez who also
works as the Head of the K9 unit of Civil Defence, is now travelling out of
Panama with a team of specially trained veterinary staff to assess the
destruction and welfare needs of the animals. Jorge and his brave
team…will carry veterinary supplies to treat any injured animals that they
come across. I’ve also arranged for him to feedback the extent of damage and
where we can be of most help, as quickly as possible…

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE U.S. (HSUS) & HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL (HSI)
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/news/2010/01/hsus_monitoring_disaster_in.html
http://www.hsus.org/hsi/disaster_services/reports_from_the_field/2010_haiti_earthquake_11310.html
Monitoring Disaster in Haiti — Humane Society International and The Humane
Society of the United States are working with other animal welfare and
humanitarian organizations to determine how best to assist animals and
people affected by the disaster. We have offered our support in providing
care to affected animals and will post updates as they become available.

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